Skincare for Bike Riders: Sun, Dust and Helmets

Millions of people in India ride a bike or scooter every day. Daily commutes mean strong sun, traffic dust, sweat and hours inside a helmet. A simple routine and a few habits keep your skin more comfortable on the road.

What daily riding does to skin

  • Sun exposure on the face, neck, hands and arms.
  • Dust and traffic grime sticking to sweaty skin.
  • Sweat and friction under the helmet, especially on the forehead and chin.
  • Wind, which can leave skin feeling dry.

Before you ride

  1. Cleanse with a gentle cleanser in the morning.
  2. Light moisturiser, a gel texture if you sweat a lot.
  3. Sunscreen on face, neck, ears and the backs of your hands. Let it settle for a few minutes before putting your helmet on.
  4. Cover up: full sleeves, gloves and a scarf or face cover protect from sun and dust.

After you ride

  1. Wash your face as soon as you can with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water.
  2. Pat dry with a clean towel.
  3. Moisturise.
  4. Reapply sunscreen if you are riding again during the day.

Helmet hygiene

A helmet is essential for safety. Keeping it clean also helps your skin.

  • Wear a thin cotton helmet liner or cap and wash it often.
  • Air your helmet out after rides instead of leaving it closed in a hot boot.
  • Clean the inner padding regularly, following the helmet maker's instructions.
  • Do not share helmets without a liner.

Weekly care

If you have oily skin and ride in dusty traffic, a clay mask once or twice a week can help skin feel clean. The Revive Face Mask uses multani mitti and kaolin to absorb excess oil and help unclog pores, with rose and aloe vera to soothe. Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes, rinse and moisturise.

Do not forget

  • Lips: a lip balm for windy rides.
  • Eyes: a visor or sunglasses to reduce squinting and dust.
  • Hands and arms: sunscreen or gloves and sleeves.
  • Back of the neck: often forgotten, and very exposed on a bike.

Habits that help

  • Carry water and drink it before and after rides.
  • Keep a small cleanser and towel at work if you can.
  • Avoid touching your face with gloves or dusty hands.
  • Sleep and eat well. Long commutes are tiring.

Common mistakes

  • Skipping sunscreen because "it is only a short ride".
  • Wearing the same sweaty helmet liner for weeks.
  • Scrubbing hard to remove dust.
  • Going all day without washing your face after a dusty commute.

A routine for your commute

The Theraglam Glow Scan looks at 3 photos and your quiz answers and gives you a skin routine with helpful ingredients, a diet and water plan, exercises, face massage moves and a daily to-do list.

Start my Glow Scan: 3 photos and a short quiz become your personal skin, diet and face massage plan, sent by email within about 2 hours. Rs 599, one time.

Glow Scan and this article give skincare and lifestyle guidance, not medical advice. For a skin or health condition, please see a doctor or dermatologist.

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